EP1621488B1 - Drive units and drive assemblies - Google Patents
Drive units and drive assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1621488B1 EP1621488B1 EP05077351A EP05077351A EP1621488B1 EP 1621488 B1 EP1621488 B1 EP 1621488B1 EP 05077351 A EP05077351 A EP 05077351A EP 05077351 A EP05077351 A EP 05077351A EP 1621488 B1 EP1621488 B1 EP 1621488B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- piston
- piston rod
- coupler
- frame member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title 1
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 36
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012260 resinous material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G25/00—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement
- B65G25/04—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors
- B65G25/06—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors having carriers, e.g. belts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G25/00—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement
- B65G25/04—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors
- B65G25/06—Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors having carriers, e.g. belts
- B65G25/065—Reciprocating floor conveyors
Definitions
- the frame member shoulders have bolt-receiving openings therein that are alignable with the bolt-receiving openings in the rod-end member when the key is within the key recess and the side surface of the frame member is contiguous the radial end wall of the rod-end member.
- Bolts extend through the bolt-receiving openings in the rod-end member and the bolt-receiving openings in said frame-member shoulders. The bolts connect the rod-end member of the hydraulic cylinder to the transverse frame member.
- the valve includes a valve seat and a valve plug outwardly of the valve seat that is connected to the outer end of the valve operator, and the valve also includes a compression spring operating to normally seat the valve plug against the valve seat.
- an outer surface of the tubular nipple, the recess in said transverse frame -member and the recess in the removable clamp member having complementary interlocking surfaces which function to prevent axial movement of the hydraulic cylinder relative to the transverse frame member and the removable clamp member.
- the end openings have closed inner ends and open outer ends, and the web extends inwardly from the inner ends of said openings to the center wall.
- the outer periphery 40 is externally threaded.
- An end fitting 32 has an externally threaded inner end portion 34 that threads into the center opening 28.
- Fitting 32 has a center opening that receives a valve plug 36 that includes a valve operator 38.
- the valve plug 36 is biased towards a valve seat 40 by a spring 42.
- Spring 42 is positioned between the valve plug 36 and an end cap 44.
- End cap 44 includes an externally threaded inner end portion that threads into an internally threaded center opening in the fitting 32.
- the fitting 32 provides a center passageway through which hydraulic fluid flows into and out from the working chamber 46.
- Frame member 76 includes bolt-receiving openings 84.
- Frame member 78 includes bolt-receiving openings 86.
- Clamp members 88 are provided for the closed ends of the cylinders 12.
- Each clamp member 88 includes a pair of bolt-receiving openings 90.
- Bolts 96 extend through openings 98 ( Fig. 5 ) in the bases 64. The upper ends of the bolts 96 are threaded and they screw into the openings 84 which are internally threaded. When the bolts 96 are tightened, the end members 22 are secured to the frame member 76.
- a bolt 110 extends through a pair of aligned openings 104, 106 and further extends through another opening 112 formed-in the web portion 114 of the frame member 102.
- the threaded ends of the bolts 110 pass through the openings 112 and each receives a nut 114, as shown by Fig. 11 .
- Bearing blocks 100 are firmly connected to the frame member 102.
- the openings 116 and the bearing blocks 100 are sufficiently long to provide a substantial amount of support for the end portion of the push-rod 14.
- longitudinal frame members 120, 122 extend between and interconnect the frame members 74, 102.
- the drive assembly 10 includes three transverse drive beams 124, 126, 128, one for each drive unit.
- the transverse drive beams 124, 126, 128 are connected to the push-rods 14, in a known manner.
- Upper clamp members are secured to the drive beams 124, 126, 128 above the push-rods 14.
- Removable clamps are provided the push-rods 14.
- Bolts are used to connect the lower clamp members to the upper clamp members.
- the members 16 on the push-rods 14 prevent unwanted axial movement of the beams 124, 126, 128 relative to the push-rods 14.
- the coupler parts 146, 148 include an annular wall portion that surrounds the cup-shaped end portion on member 134. They have concaved surfaces 152, 154 ( Fig. 18 ) that match the curvature of the surfaces 142, 144. In other words, surfaces 152, 154 have a substantially spherical curvature. The surfaces 130, 132, 142, 144, 152, 154 all share the same center or curvature. As a result, there can be universal pivotal movement of the push-rod 14' and the member 134 relative to the piston-rod 50" and the members 146, 148, such pivotal movement occurring about the shared center of curvature.
- a fitting 160 fits within an axial socket 162 formed in the nipple 164 that is a part of the end member 166 at the closed end of the cylinder 12".
- Member or fitting 160 includes a valve seat 168 and a valve plug 170 that moves towards and away from the valve seat 168.
- a cup 172 may be provided outwardly of the valve plug 170.
- a compression spring 174 may extend into this cup 172. The opposite end of the spring 174 may make engaging contact with a removable plug 176.
- valve operator 178 is connected to the valve plug 170 on the side thereof opposite the cup 172. Operator 178 extends from the valve plug 170, axially through passageway 180 and the member 160 and at its inner end protrudes into the working chamber 182. When the piston-head 48 and piston-rod 50" are retracted, the side of the piston-head opposite the rod 50" will contact the end of the operator 170. As piston-head 48 moves closer towards the end of the working chamber 182, it moves the operator 178 with it. Operator 178 in turn moves valve plug 170 away from the valve seat 168, opening a fluid passageway between a side port and member 160 and the center passageway 180.
- valve plug 170 When the valve plug 170 is against the valve seat 168, there is communication between side port 182 and passageway 180.
- the valve plug 160 blocks communication between side port 184 and passageway 180.
- valve plug 170 is unseated form the seat 168, there will be communication between side port 184 and passageway 180.
- the member 74' In the central part of the frame member 74', outwardly on each side of the central cutout 194, the member 74' includes a web 199, a pair of flanges 200, 202 and a pair of lips 204, 206.
- Flanges 200, 202 extend substantially perpendicular to web 199 and lips 204, 206.
- Lips 204, 206 are in coplanar parallelism. Lips 204, 206 are perpendicular to flanges 200, 202 and are parallel to web 199.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Actuator (AREA)
- Control Of Multiple Motors (AREA)
- Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to linear hydraulic drive units according to the preamble of claim 1 and as disclosed by
U.S. Patent No. 5,911,555 . - My
U.S. Patent No. Re 35,022, granted August 22, 1995 , and entitled Reduced Size Drive/Frame Assembly For Reciprocating Floor Conveyor discloses a drive assembly composed of a small mounting frame, three drive units and three transverse drive beams, one for each drive unit. MyU.S. Patent No. 5,638,943, granted June 17, 1997 and entitled Drive Assembly For Reciprocating Slat Conveyor discloses a mounting frame that includes a downwardly extending center cavity region for receiving the linear hydraulic drive units. - My
U.S. Patent No. 5,605,221, granted February 25, 1997 , discloses a drive assembly (Figs. 32-34) comprising a plurality of drive units, a transverse drive beam for each drive unit, and mounting structure for the drive units. Other prior art drive units and mounting structure are disclosed by myU.S. Patent No. 5,353,918, granted October 11, 1994 , byU.S. Patent No. 5,263,573, granted November 13, 1993 to Olaf A. Hallstrom , and byEuropean patent application EP 0 721 901 A1, filed by Cargo Handling Systems B.V. on January 15, 1996 . -All of these patents should be carefully considered for the-purpose of putting the present invention into proper perspective relative to the prior art. - The present invention is described in the appended claim 1. Further embodiments are described in claims 2 to 5. Drive units are basically characterized by a hydraulic cylinder connected to a transverse frame member having a downwardly directed recess. The hydraulic cylinder has a sidewall forming a piston chamber, a closed end, a rod end, a piston head within the piston chamber, and a piston rod connected to the piston head and extending axially of the hydraulic cylinder out through the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. An end member is provided at the closed end of the hydraulic cylinder. The end member has a radial wall portion and a tubular nipple portion that extends axially outwardly from the radial wall portion. The radial wall portion includes an outer surface extending radially outwardly from the tubular nipple. A removable clamp member is connectable to the frame member. The clamp member includes a recess for receiving a portion of the tubular nipple. The tubular nipple is received in the recess in the frame member. The radial outer surface of the radial wall portion of the end member contiguous a surface of the frame member that borders the recess in the frame member. The recess in the removable clamp member receives a portion of the tubular nipple that is not within the recess in the frame member. Bolts removably connect the clamp member to the frame member, with the tubular nipple portion of the end member being received in and clamped by and between the recess in the frame member and the recess in the clamp member.
- The tubular nipple includes an axial center opening and a tubular fitting is received within said center opening. The tubular fitting provides a passageway for hydraulic fluid entering into and leaving from the piston chamber at the closed end of the hydraulic cylinder.
- In preferred form, the tubular fitting includes a valve and a valve operator that extends axially into the piston chamber and includes an inner end portion that is adapted to be contacted by the piston head. When the piston head is retracted into the piston chamber, it contacts the inner end of the valve operator and moves the valve operator outwardly. In response to such movement, the valve operator opens the valve. The valve is normally closed when the piston head is not depressing the valve operator. In preferred form, the valve includes a valve seat and a valve plug outwardly of the valve seat that is connected to the outer end of the valve operator. The valve also includes a compression spring that operates to normally seat the valve plug against the valve seat.
- In preferred form, an outer surface of the tubular nipple, the recess in the transverse frame member and the recess in the removable clamp member have complementary interlocking surfaces which function to prevent axial movement of the hydraulic cylinder relative to the transverse frame member and the removable clamp member.
- The hydraulic cylinder includes a rod-end member having a base, a radial end wall extending upwardly from a portion of said base, and a key extending above another portion of said base and axially from the radial end wall. The rod-end member also includes a piston rod opening extending through the key and through a portion of the base. The rod-end member further includes a nook above the base and the key. The nook is bounded on one side by the radial end wall. The base includes a pair of shoulders, one on each side of the key. A pair of bolt-receiving openings extends through the base-and the shoulders. A transverse frame member at the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder includes a key-receiving recess adapted to snugly receive the key. This frame member includes a side surface that is contiguous the radial end wall of the rod-end member when the key is in the key recess. The frame member includes a pair of shoulders, one on each side of the key recess. The frame member shoulders confront the shoulders on the rod-end member when the key is in the key recess and the side surface is contiguous the radial end wall. The frame member shoulders have bolt-receiving openings therein that are alignable with the bolt-receiving openings in the rod-end member when the key is within the key recess and the side surface of the frame member is contiguous the radial end wall of the rod-end member. Bolts extend through the bolt-receiving openings in the rod-end member and the bolt-receiving openings in said frame-member shoulders. The bolts connect the rod-end member of the hydraulic cylinder to the transverse frame member.
- The invention contemplates a piston rod with a second end portion outside of the cylinder body that is connected to a push rod. The piston rod has a convex, substantially spherical end shape. The push rod includes a bell-shaped end member having a concave inner end surface substantially conforming to the convex end shape of the piston rod. It also has a convex outer end surface of substantially spherical curvature. A coupler is connected to the piston rod axially inwardly of the convex end of the piston rod. The coupler includes an annular wall portion surrounding the outer end of the piston rod. The annular wall portion has a concave inner surface that substantially conforms to the convex outer surface of the bell-shaped end member on the push-rod. The convex and concave surfaces on said bell-shaped end member and said concave surface on said coupler and said convex end shape on said piston-rod together form a ball joint within the coupler by which the piston-rod is pivotally connected to the push-rod.
- In preferred form, at least an end portion of the push rod is tubular and is internally threaded. An end member on the push rod member has complementary external threads that connect to the internal threads in the push-rod. The coupler that is attached to the piston-rod is axially split into two halves. Bolts extend between the two halves and secure them together. The piston-rod and the two halves of the coupler include interlocking portions where the two halves of the coupler contact the piston-rod. The interlocking portions prevent axial movement of the coupler halves relatively along the piston-rod. The invention also provides an unique mounting frame having channel shaped end portions.
- According to an aspect not part of the invention the linear hydraulic drive unit further comprises:
- a transverse frame member having a downwardly directed recess;
- a hydraulic cylinder having a sidewall forming a piston chamber, a closed end, a rod end, a piston head within the piston chamber, a piston rod connected to the piston head and extending axially of the hydraulic cylinder out through the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder, and an end member at the closed end of the hydraulic cylinder having a radial wall portion and a tubular nipple portion extending axially outwardly from the radial wall portion, said radial wall portion including an outer surface extending radially outwardly from the nipple;
- a removable clamp member connectable to the frame member, said clamp member including a recess for receiving a portion of said tubular nipple;
- said tubular nipple being-received in the recess in the frame member with the radial outer surface of the radial wall portion of the end member being contiguous a surface of the frame member bordering the recess in the frame member;
- said recess in said removable clamp member receiving a portion of said tubular nipple that is not within the recess in the frame member;
- said clamp member having a radial side surface that is contiguous the outer surface of the radial wall portion of said end member; and
- bolts removably connecting the clamp member to the frame member, with the tubular nipple portion of the end member being received in and clamped by and between the recess in the frame member and the recess in the clamp member.
- According to another aspect not part of the invention the linear hydraulic drive unit comprises: a transverse frame member having a downwardly directed recess; a hydraulic cylinder including a closed end and a rod end, a rod-end member having a base, a radial end wall extending upwardly from a portion of said base, and a key above another portion of said base, said key extending axially from the radial end wall;
said rod-end member including a piston rod opening extending through the key and through a portion of the base;
said rod-end member further including a nook above the base and the key, said nook being bounded on one side by the radial end wall;
said base having a pair of shoulders, one on each side of the key, and a pair of bolt receiving openings extending through the base and the shoulders;
said frame member having a key receiving recess adapted to snugly receive the key, and having a side surface that is contiguous the radial end wall of the rod end member when the key is within the key recess;
said frame member having a pair of shoulders, one on each side of the key recess;
said frame member shoulders confronting the shoulders on the rod-end member when the key is within the key recess and the side surface is contiguous the radial end wall of the rod-end member;
said frame member shoulders having bolt receiving openings therein that are alignable with the bolt receiving openings in the rod-end member when the key is within the key recess and the side surface of the frame member is contiguous the radial end wall; and
bolts extendable through the bolt receiving openings in said rod-end member and the bolt receiving openings in said frame member shoulders; and
said bolts connect the rod-end member of the hydraulic cylinder to the transverse frame member. - According to an embodiment not part of the invention the linear hydraulic drive unit also comprising a second transverse frame member having a downwardly directed recess adjacent the closed end of the hydraulic cylinder;
said hydraulic cylinder having an end member at its closed end, said end member having a radial wall portion an da tubular nipple portion extending axially outwardly from the radial wall portion, said radial wall portion including an outer surface extending radially outwardly from the nipple;
a removable clamp member connectable to the second frame member, said clamp member including a recess for receiving a portion of tubular nipple; said tubular nipple being received in the recess in the second frame member with the radial outer surface of the radial wall portion of the end member being contiguous a surface of the second frame member bordering-the recess in the second frame member;
said recess in said removable clamp member receiving a portion of said tubular nipple that is not within the recess in the second frame member;
said clamp member having a radial side surface that is contiguous the outer surface of the radial wall portion of said end member; and
bolts removably connecting the clamp member tot the frame member, with the tubular nipple portion of the end member being received in and clamped by and between the recess in the second frame member and the recess in the clamp member. - According to an embodiment not part of the invention the tubular nipple includes a center opening and a tubular fitting is received within said center opening, said tubular fitting provided a passageway for hydraulic fluid entering into and leaving from the piston chamber at the closed end of the hydraulic cylinder.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the fitting includes a valve and a valve operator that extends axially into the piston chamber and includes an inner end portion that is adapted to be contacted by the piston head, wherein the piston head is refracted in the piston chamber, it contacts the inner end of the valve operator and moves the valve operator outwardly and in response to such movement the valve operator opens the valve, said valve being normally closed when the piston head is not depressing the valve operator.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the valve includes a valve seat and a valve plug outwardly of the valve seat that is connected to the outer end of the valve operator, and the valve also includes a compression spring operating to normally seat the valve plug against the valve seat.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention an outer surface of the tubular nipple, the recess in said transverse frame -member and the recess in the removable clamp member having complementary interlocking surfaces which function to prevent axial movement of the hydraulic cylinder relative to the transverse frame member and the removable clamp member.
- According to yet another aspect not part of the invention, a drive assembly has a mounting frame, a plurality of linear hydraulic drive units that are connected to the mounting frame, transverse drive beam connected to each drive unit a transverse mounting member at an end of the mounting frame, and the improvement comprises:
- said transverse mounting frame member;
- a bottom web having a center opening and two end openings, opposite side flanges extending upwardly from the web, lips extending laterally inwardly from upper portions of the flanges;
- a center wall extending upwardly from the opposite ends of the center cutout to a horizontal top;
- said flanges being parallel to each other and being spaced apart laterally across the frame member;
- said flanges being perpendicular to the web and to the top of the center member;
- said lips being in coplanar parallelism with each other, and being parallel to the web and the top of the center member and being perpendicular to the flanges; and
- wherein the web includes outer end portions which form with outer end portions of the flanges and outer end portions of the lips a pair of spaced apart outwardly directly channel members at each end of the frame member separated by said end openings in said web.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the lips extend the full length of the mounting frame.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the end openings have closed inner ends and open outer ends, and the web extends inwardly from the inner ends of said openings to the center wall.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the center wall has two end portions that are spaced apart, said end portions having lower edges that are connected to the bottom web and extend upwardly to the top of the center member.
- According to an embodiment not part of the invention the drive assembly further includes a second transverse mounting member at a second end of the mounting frame, said second transverse mounting member having a center portion and two opposite end portions, the opposite end portions being channel members including a web and top and bottom flanges and the central portion being a channel member comprising a web and top and bottom flanges, wherein the two end portions and the center portions have a common upper flange that extends the full length of the mounting frame member, said center portion has a lower flange that is faced downwardly from the upper flange a predetermined amount, and the end portions have lower flanges which are at a common level and are above the level of the lower flange for the center portion, and the web for the center portion extends outwardly and becomes the webs for the end portions.
- Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the best mode set forth below, from the drawings, from the claims and from the principles that are embodies in the specific structures that are illustrated and described.
- Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the several views of the drawing, and:
-
Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of a drive assembly for a reciprocating slat conveyor, taken from-above and looking toward one end and one side of the assembly; -
Fig. 2 is another pictorial view of the drive assembly shown byFig. 1 , such view being taken from below and looking towards the opposite end and the opposite side of the assembly from what is shown inFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a pictorial view of the right end portion ofFig. 2 , showing the hydraulic cylinders spaced below the mounting frame and the mounting bolts spaced from the ends of the cylinders; -
Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of one of the drive units, taken from below the drive unit and showing the drive rod detached from the piston rod of the cylinder; -
Fig. 5 is an enlarged scale fragmentary view of the region of the coupler that connects the drive rod to the piston rod; -
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the left end portion ofFig. 2 , with the bearing assembly for one of the push rods exploded apart and spaced from the transverse frame member at the end of the mounting frame; -
Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the drive assembly, with some parts shown in side elevation; -
Fig. 8 is an enlarged scale view of the left end portion ofFig. 7 ; -
Fig. 9 is an end view of the mounting frame at the end where the hydraulic cylinders are connected to the mounting frame; -
Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view ofFig. 9 , -
Fig. 11 is an enlarged scale fragmentary view of the right end portion ofFig. 7 , but facing in the opposite direction fromFig. 7 , such view showing the outer end portion of the drive rod extending through a bearing that is connected-to the transverse end member of the mounting frame at the drive rod end of the drive assembly; -
Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially long line 12-12 ofFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 13-13 ofFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 14-14 ofFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 15 is a view similar toFig. 3 , but showing drive units that have continuous piston rods; -
Fig. 16 is a view substantially likeFig. 4 but of the drive unit shown byFig. 15 ; -
Fig. 17 is a view generally likeFig. 17 but showing a modified construction of the coupling between the piston rod and the drive rod; -
Fig. 18 is an enlarged scale view of the coupler assembly portion ofFig. 17 , such view showing the fitting that is attached to the drive rod in side elevation and showing the drive rod and the member that is attached to the piston rod in longitudinal section; -
Fig. 19 is a view similar to the drive unit portion ofFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 20 is an enlarged scale view of the left end portion ofFig. 19 ; -
Fig. 21 is a pictorial view of a modified construction of the transverse frame member at the cylinder end of the drive assembly, such view being taken from above and looking towards one end, the outer side and the top of the frame member; -
Fig. 22 is an end view of the frame member shown byFigs. 21-24 ; -
Fig. 23 is a top plan view of the frame member shown byFigs. 21 ,22 and 24 ; -
Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of the frame member shown byFigs. 21-23 ; and -
Fig. 25 is a pictorial view of the drive assembly shown byFig. 1 , with the modified construction of the transverse frame members. -
Figs. 1-14 show a first embodiment of a drive assembly 10 that is constructed in accordance with the present invention. It comprises three drive units, each comprising a linearhydraulic cylinder 12 and a push-rod 14. Each push-rod 14 includes asemi-cylindrical fitting 16 that is welded to the push-rod 14. Referring toFig. 8 , each linearhydraulic cylinder 12 includes atubular sidewall 18, a closed end fitting 20 and a rod-end fitting 22. Closed end fitting 20 and closedradial end wall 24 and a tubular nipple 26 connect to theend wall 24 and project axially outwardly from it. Each nipple 26 includes an axial center opening 28. Opening 28 is internally threaded. The outer periphery 40 is externally threaded. An end fitting 32 has an externally threaded inner end portion 34 that threads into the center opening 28. Fitting 32 has a center opening that receives a valve plug 36 that includes a valve operator 38. The valve plug 36 is biased towards a valve seat 40 by a spring 42. Spring 42 is positioned between the valve plug 36 and anend cap 44.End cap 44 includes an externally threaded inner end portion that threads into an internally threaded center opening in the fitting 32. The fitting 32 provides a center passageway through which hydraulic fluid flows into and out from the workingchamber 46. - A
piston head 48 is located inside of thetubular sidewall 88. A piston-rod 50 has an inner end that is connected to the piston-head 48. Piston-rod 50 extends from the piston-head 48 through the center opening 52 in the rod-end member 22. Outside of the piston chamber, the piston-rod 50 extends to anenlarged end member 54. In this embodiment, anotherend member 56 is connected to the adjacent end of the push-rod 14. A two-part clamp members clamp parts bolts 62, as shown byFigs. 4 and 5 . - Referring to
Fig. 5 , the rod end ofmember 22, comprises abase 62, aradial wall 64 and a semi-cylindrical key 66. The piston-rod 50 extends through an opening 68 that extends through the key 66 and a portion of the base 72. Anook 70 is formed above the base 72 and the key 66 and adjacent thewall 64. Referring toFig. 3 , the linear hydraulic motors orcylinders 12 are connected to a transverse mountingframe 74.Frame 74 includes a rod-end frame member 76 and a closedend frame member 78. Each of theseframe members recesses hydraulic motor 12. Therecesses 80 are sized and shaped to receive thekeys 66. When thekeys 66 are within therecesses 80, the walls 68 are contiguous the inner surface of theframe member 76. This is shown byFig. 8 , for example. - The upper halves of the nipples 26 are received within the
recesses 82.Frame member 76 includes bolt-receivingopenings 84.Frame member 78 includes bolt-receivingopenings 86.Clamp members 88 are provided for the closed ends of thecylinders 12. Eachclamp member 88 includes a pair of bolt-receivingopenings 90. When the upper portions of thenipples 32 are within therecesses 82, therecesses 92 in theclamps 88 are fittable over the lower portions of the nipples 26. Then thebolts 94 are inserted through first theopenings 90 and then into theopenings 86. The openings 83 are internally threaded. When thebolts 94 are tightened, they thread into theopenings 86. This causes the nipples 26 to be clamped firmly between the two sets ofrecesses recesses cylinders 12 relative to the mounting frame 72. The interlocking portions may be alternating peaks and valleys. The peaks in therecesses recesses bolts 94 are tightened, the interlocking ridges and valleys prevent relative movement of thecylinders 12 and theframe member 74 in the direction of applied force. - When the nipples 26 are in the
recesses 82, thekeys 66 are in therecesses 80.Bolts 96 extend through openings 98 (Fig. 5 ) in thebases 64. The upper ends of thebolts 96 are threaded and they screw into theopenings 84 which are internally threaded. When thebolts 96 are tightened, theend members 22 are secured to theframe member 76. - The ends of the
push rods 14 that are opposite the piston-rods 50 extend through bearingblocks 100 that are secured to transverse mountingframe 102. As best shown byFigs. 6 and 11 , the bearing blocks 100 are blocks of plastic, preferably, they are constructed from a high molecular weight resinous material referred to as umhw plastic. This material is readily available, is strong, is easily machined to the desired shape, and has exceptionally low surface friction. It is known to be an excellent bearing material. In the illustrated embodiment, eightopenings 104 are formed in eachblock 100. The same number of openings 106 are formed in a metal cover plate 108. The openings 106 are aligned with theopenings 104. A bolt 110 extends through a pair of alignedopenings 104, 106 and further extends through another opening 112 formed-in theweb portion 114 of theframe member 102. The threaded ends of the bolts 110 pass through the openings 112 and each receives anut 114, as shown byFig. 11 . Bearing blocks 100 are firmly connected to theframe member 102. The openings 116 and the bearing blocks 100 are sufficiently long to provide a substantial amount of support for the end portion of the push-rod 14. - As clearly shown by
Fig. 2 ,longitudinal frame members frame members rods 14, in a known manner. Upper clamp members are secured to the drive beams 124, 126, 128 above the push-rods 14. Removable clamps are provided the push-rods 14. Bolts are used to connect the lower clamp members to the upper clamp members. Themembers 16 on the push-rods 14 prevent unwanted axial movement of thebeams rods 14. Themembers 16 interlock with the upper clamp members on thebeams members 16, is clearly disclosed in myU.S. Patent No. Re. 35,022, granted August 22, 1995 , and entitled "Reduced Size Drive/Frame Assembly For A Reciprocating Floor Conveyor". See also the structure in myU.S. Patent No. 5,996,774, granted December 7, 1999 and entitled Drive Beam To Drive Unit Connections. -
Figs. 15 and16 show an embodiment in which the drive units have continuous piston-rods 50'. The ends of the rods 50' that are inside of thecylinders 12 are connected to piston-heads within the cylinder bodies, such as in the manner shown byFig. 8 . The difference is, instead of being connected to a push-rod, by some sort of joint structure, the piston-rod 50' extends outwardly from the piston-head 48 and-itself serves as the push-rod. Each piston-rod 50' may be a single, continuous member. Or, it may be a continuous member made up of parts that are welded or otherwise connected together. Each piston-rod 50' is provided with a member 16' that interlocks with one of the upper clamp members that is attached to the relatedtransverse beam -
Figs. 17-20 relate to another embodiment in which each drive unit includes a push-rod 14' that is connected to a piston-rod 50". The outer end of the piston-rod 50' includes aconvex end shape 130 that is of substantially spherical curvature. Shape 130 fits into aconcave end cavity 132 of complementary curvature. That is,cavity 132 is concave and the curvature is a substantially spherical curvature. Thecavity 132 is formed in the outer end of amember 134 that has aninner end portion 136 that is cylindrical and is externally threaded. Thethreads 138 mesh withcomplementary threads 140 that are formed in an end portion of the push-rod 14'. Theconcave surface 132 is a part of a cup-shaped member 142 that has aconvex surface 144 on its outside. A coupler 146 is attached to the outer end of the piston-rod 50". Coupler 146 may be composed of two members, very similar to themembers Fig. 5 . Piston-rod 50" includes circumferentially extending ribs and valleys on its outer end portion that is immediately inwardly of theconvex surface 130. The members 146, 148 have semi-cylindrical portions with complementary ribs and valleys that engage the ribs and valleys of the piston-rod 50" when the coupler parts 146, 148 are connected together and secured to the piston-rod 50". Members 146, 148 are connected together by bolts 150. The coupler parts 146, 148 include an annular wall portion that surrounds the cup-shaped end portion onmember 134. They have concaved surfaces 152, 154 (Fig. 18 ) that match the curvature of thesurfaces 142, 144. In other words, surfaces 152, 154 have a substantially spherical curvature. Thesurfaces member 134 relative to the piston-rod 50" and the members 146, 148, such pivotal movement occurring about the shared center of curvature. - In the embodiment of
Figs. 17-20 , thecylinder 12" may be fixed against movement relative to its mountingframe 74 and the outer end of the push-rod 14' may be held for a substantially straight line movement through the bearing blocks 100, while some limited pivotal movement is allowed by the connector between the two rods. Theend member 22 provides a long bearing support of the piston-rod 50". As a result, thecylinder 12" can withstand substantial side loading imposed by weight on the floor acting on thetransverse beam 124 and the push-rod 14'. - Referring to
Figs. 19 and20 , in this embodiment, a fitting 160 fits within anaxial socket 162 formed in thenipple 164 that is a part of theend member 166 at the closed end of thecylinder 12". In this embodiment, either a lockwire connection or a threaded connection is used for securing themember 160 to themember 164. Member or fitting 160 includes a valve seat 168 and a valve plug 170 that moves towards and away from the valve seat 168. A cup 172 may be provided outwardly of the valve plug 170. A compression spring 174 may extend into this cup 172. The opposite end of the spring 174 may make engaging contact with aremovable plug 176. When the parts are in the position shown byFig. 19 , the spring 174 functions to urge the valve plug 170 against the valve seat 168. Avalve operator 178 is connected to the valve plug 170 on the side thereof opposite the cup 172.Operator 178 extends from the valve plug 170, axially throughpassageway 180 and themember 160 and at its inner end protrudes into the workingchamber 182. When the piston-head 48 and piston-rod 50" are retracted, the side of the piston-head opposite therod 50" will contact the end of the operator 170. As piston-head 48 moves closer towards the end of the workingchamber 182, it moves theoperator 178 with it.Operator 178 in turn moves valve plug 170 away from the valve seat 168, opening a fluid passageway between a side port andmember 160 and thecenter passageway 180. When the valve plug 170 is against the valve seat 168, there is communication betweenside port 182 andpassageway 180. Thevalve plug 160 blocks communication between side port 184 andpassageway 180. However, when theoperator 178 is depressed, and valve plug 170 is unseated form the seat 168, there will be communication between side port 184 andpassageway 180. -
Figs. 21-25 show a modified frame structure that can be used by any of the above described embodiments. As previously described, the frame structure comprises two transverse mounting frame members 74', 102'. In the earlier embodiments, theframe members frame members frame members frame members Figs. 21-25 , the two frame members 74', 102' are constructed to include the cells. Referring toFig. 21 , frame member 74' of two-piece construction. The pieces or members are designated 190, 192. By way of typical and-therefore non-limitative example,member 190 may be constructed from Swedish steel measuring 3/16 inch thick.Member 192 may be constructed from Swedish steel measuring 1/4 inch thick.Member 190 is made in the following manner. A flat sheet of material is provided and an opening is cut in it wheremember 192 is to be added. Also, theopenings places web 199, a pair offlanges lips Flanges web 199 andlips Lips Lips flanges web 199. In the opposite end region which include thecutouts web 199, channel beams 208, 210, 212, 214 are formed. In the sections of the member 74', theflanges lips side portions web 199 become lower flanges for thebeam sections Member 192 is cut and then formed into the shape indicated. It is then set into the center cutout 194 and is welded to the inner edges of theweb 199 and to themembers members member 192 forms a downwardly opening compartment in which the central portions of the cylinders are received. Theframe members Fig. 3 , for example. - Referring to
Fig. 25 , the transverse mounting frame member 102' is also formed from a flat sheet of steel. For example, it may be formed from a sheet of Swedish steel that is about 3/6 inch thick.Regions web 234 andflanges 236, 238, 240. Thus, the central portion offrame 102 has a channel shape with a deep web. The end portions each have a channel shape with a shallower web. The lower central portion may extend downwardly between two mainframe beams. Theend channel 240, 242 first extend outwardly over the tops of the mainframe beams and then continue on to the side of the trailer or other installation in which the drive assembly is mounted. - The illustrated embodiments are examples of the present invention and, therefore, are non-limitive. It is to be understood that changes in the particular structure, materials and features of the invention may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as determined by the following claims.
Claims (5)
- A linear hydraulic drive unit, comprising:a cylinder body (18) having an open end (22) and a closed end (20);a piston head (48) inside of said cylinder body;a piston rod (50") having a first end portion connected to the piston head inside the cylinder body, and a second end portion outside of the cylinder body, said piston rod extending from the piston head out through the open end of the cylinder body to its second end portions, said second end portion of said piston rod having a convex, substantially semi-spherical end shape (130);an elongated push rod (14'); characterized by further comprising :said push rod including a bell shaped end member (142) having a concave inner end surface (132) substantially conforming to the convex end shape on the piston rod, and a convex outer surface (144) of substantially spherical curvature;a coupler (146) connected to the piston rod axially inwardly of the convex end of said piston rod (50"), said coupler including an annular wall portion surrounding the second end portion of the piston rod and having a concave inner surface substantially conforming to the convex outer surface (144) on the bell shaped end member (142) on the push-rod; andsaid convex and concave surfaces on said bell-shaped end member and said concave surface on said coupler and said convex end shape on said piston rod, together forming a ball joint within the coupler by which the piston rod is pivotally connected to the push rod.
- The linear hydraulic drive unit of claim 1, wherein the push rod end member (142) has a second end portion that connects to the elongated push rod (14').
- The linear hydraulic drive unit of claim 2, wherein the elongated push rod (14') has a tubular end portion that is internally threaded (140) and the second end portion (136) of the end member is externally threaded and threads into the end portion of the push rod.
- The linear hydraulic drive unit of claim 2, wherein the coupler (146) is axially split into two halves and bolts extend between the halves and secure them together.
- The linear hydraulic drive unit of claim 4, wherein the piston rod (50") and the two halves of the coupler (146) include interlocking portions where the two halves of the coupler contact the piston rod, said interlocking portions preventing axial movement of the coupler halves relatively along the piston rod.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/375,225 US6994012B2 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2003-02-26 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP04075609A EP1452467B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04075609A Division EP1452467B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1621488A1 EP1621488A1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
EP1621488B1 true EP1621488B1 (en) | 2008-05-21 |
Family
ID=32771455
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04075609A Expired - Lifetime EP1452467B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP05077350A Expired - Lifetime EP1621487B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP05077352A Expired - Lifetime EP1626015B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP05077351A Expired - Lifetime EP1621488B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04075609A Expired - Lifetime EP1452467B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP05077350A Expired - Lifetime EP1621487B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
EP05077352A Expired - Lifetime EP1626015B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 | 2004-02-25 | Drive units and drive assemblies |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6994012B2 (en) |
EP (4) | EP1452467B1 (en) |
AT (4) | ATE328820T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2459060A1 (en) |
DE (4) | DE602004015969D1 (en) |
ES (4) | ES2303987T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE358238T1 (en) * | 2003-01-30 | 2007-04-15 | Rene Wegkamp | LINEAR HYDRAULIC MOTOR AND RACING FLOOR CONVEYOR |
US7028832B2 (en) * | 2004-09-17 | 2006-04-18 | Keith Investments, Llc | Drive unit mount for reciprocating slat conveyor |
US7658276B2 (en) * | 2005-11-10 | 2010-02-09 | Rene Wegkamp | Drive beam |
US20080277246A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Hallco Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Reciprocating slat conveyer |
CN105600316A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-05-25 | 天津天瑞达自动化设备有限公司 | Wall assembling material conveying device |
CN113697393B (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2022-12-02 | 广东碧品居建筑工业化有限公司 | Long-stroke movement module and conveying device |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1462120A (en) * | 1974-04-09 | 1977-01-19 | Girling Ltd | Welding apparatus |
US4071091A (en) * | 1976-06-21 | 1978-01-31 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Motor grader with detachable link for reduced blade angle operation |
US4793469A (en) * | 1983-03-22 | 1988-12-27 | Foster Raymond K | Reduced size drive/frame assembly for a reciprocating floor conveyor |
US5263573A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1993-11-23 | Hallstrom Jr Olof A | Drive connector for reciprocating conveyor |
US5350054A (en) * | 1993-04-28 | 1994-09-27 | Foster Raymond K | Ball block for mounting linear motor |
US5605221A (en) * | 1994-09-12 | 1997-02-25 | Foster; Raymond K. | Drive unit with bearing mount |
NL9500067A (en) * | 1995-01-13 | 1996-08-01 | Cargo Handling Systems B V | Load floor for trucks or freight trailers. |
US5638943A (en) * | 1995-11-29 | 1997-06-17 | Foster; Raymond Keith | Drive assembly for reciprocating slat conveyor |
US5624198A (en) * | 1996-02-06 | 1997-04-29 | Zumtobel Staff Lighting, Inc. | Swivel connector |
US5911555A (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 1999-06-15 | Foster; Raymond Keith | Vehicle/dock loading/unloading conveyor system |
US5996774A (en) | 1999-05-28 | 1999-12-07 | Foster; Raymond Keith | Drive beam to drive unit connections |
US6237965B1 (en) * | 1999-07-27 | 2001-05-29 | Hsien-Wen Kuo | Leak-free flexible conduit |
US6554834B1 (en) * | 1999-10-07 | 2003-04-29 | Stryker Spine | Slotted head pedicle screw assembly |
EP1213441B1 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2003-06-11 | Günter Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klemm | Drilling system |
-
2003
- 2003-02-26 US US10/375,225 patent/US6994012B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-02-25 DE DE602004015969T patent/DE602004015969D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-25 ES ES05077352T patent/ES2303987T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 EP EP04075609A patent/EP1452467B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 DE DE602004013960T patent/DE602004013960D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-25 AT AT04075609T patent/ATE328820T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-02-25 ES ES05077350T patent/ES2313202T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 AT AT05077351T patent/ATE396127T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-02-25 ES ES05077351T patent/ES2303986T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 DE DE602004013963T patent/DE602004013963D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-25 ES ES04075609T patent/ES2266977T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 DE DE602004001067T patent/DE602004001067T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-25 EP EP05077350A patent/EP1621487B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 EP EP05077352A patent/EP1626015B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-25 AT AT05077350T patent/ATE405506T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-02-25 AT AT05077352T patent/ATE396128T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-02-25 EP EP05077351A patent/EP1621488B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-26 CA CA002459060A patent/CA2459060A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-08-29 US US11/213,076 patent/US20050284287A1/en not_active Abandoned
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EP1621488A1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
EP1626015A1 (en) | 2006-02-15 |
ES2303987T3 (en) | 2008-09-01 |
DE602004001067T2 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
ES2313202T3 (en) | 2009-03-01 |
DE602004013963D1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
DE602004001067D1 (en) | 2006-07-20 |
EP1452467B1 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
ES2303986T3 (en) | 2008-09-01 |
ATE396128T1 (en) | 2008-06-15 |
EP1621487A1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
EP1452467A1 (en) | 2004-09-01 |
EP1626015B1 (en) | 2008-05-21 |
CA2459060A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
DE602004013960D1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
US20050284287A1 (en) | 2005-12-29 |
ATE396127T1 (en) | 2008-06-15 |
US20040163530A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
ATE328820T1 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
EP1621487B1 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
US6994012B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 |
ES2266977T3 (en) | 2007-03-01 |
ATE405506T1 (en) | 2008-09-15 |
DE602004015969D1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
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